Southwold and Aldeburgh

The number of times we’ve said; ‘one day we’ll live here’ is countless. Over the years arty urbanites for whom Coast Magazine is like porn, have flocked to its pier and slowly taken over the village searching for The Good Life. But Southwold we still love you and you’re better for it as you slowly spread your wings like your neighbour over in Norfolk, Holt.

Having played host to the Latitude Festival for the last 8 years, 2014 saw Southwold’s first arts festival emerge to great success. For the gallery enthusiast there’s the affordable Serena Hall gallery run by painter Marc Brown. While for those that like their cinema experiences a little more immersive there’s the impressive Picture Palace cinema, presented as an art deco beauty by famed local architect John Bennett.

Around Southwold itself you have the sleepy Waberswick, full of second homes owned by London’s creative community. And just a short drive away, drop in on the awe inspiring orchestral practises at Leiston Abbey. A little further down the coast you have Aldeburgh; a less posh version of Southwold whose geography makes it feel more like a market town than a village. Top tip for those who can hold their noses as they make the 120 minute journey back to the city; smoked fish from Aldeburgh’s famed smoke huts on the sea front – incredible.

Sleep

A firm favourite in Southwold is The Swan Hotel, just be sure to request a Lighthouse Room out the back. If you’re staying for longer, or just want something a little more sophisticated then why not rent the Ferryway beach house. While down in Aldeburgh, the White Lion Hotel offers both beach front views and fine dining.

Eat & Drink

For a celebratory posh dinner in Southwold try Sutherland House. For something more casual at the south end of the beach it’s The Harbour Inn every time. Sunday lunches don’t come much better than at The Bell Inn over at Walberswick. And down in Aldeburgh be sure to try The Lighthouse.

Audio

Martyn kindly gifts us a truly epic 120 From® ‘In Transit’ playlist that defined a generation; no what the weather, this will put the sun back into your journey to Southwold and Aldeburgh. Expect magic from Soft Cell, the head nodding worldwide anthem ‘Moskow Diskow’, sitting alongside delights from Blancmange. We roll into our destination with a smile on our faces and our dancing shoes on courtesy of David Bowie. Martyn, we thank you.